I'm serious, but how should I start?

Zero.set · Dec 26, 2009

I'll just be straight to the point. I'm serious about at least starting out producing. I have Reason 4 on my Mac that I've messed around with a bit. I need hardware. What should I get? Midi controller (keys or pads)? CD turntable? I'm not sure I'm ready to go crate digging for records yet and go that route, but I do have a healthy collection of CDs that I'd have fun sampling if I could. Basically I just need a solid starting point. I want to CREATE my beats, not just throw samples together and press play. I'm gonna say I have roughly a $500 budget here, give or take depending. Advice?

I'd really appreciate any insight.

thedreampolice · Dec 26, 2009

Get an Axiom controller and learn Reason inside and out.

Zero.set · Dec 26, 2009

That's one of the ones I was looking at... the Axiom 49. I've got a pair of Technics DJ headphones. I'm honestly not a big fan of them, but not sure I really need to upgrade, they had great reviews when I bought them. Think I'm good, or do I need better headphones or an amplifier? That's one of my concerns is making sure the audio output is as close to accurate as possible. Sucks to mix and refine something, then play it back on a bigger output and everything's out of whack, because the setup you were using to mix wasn't right.

thedreampolice · Dec 26, 2009

You will eventually need good near-field monitors. Learn your tools first. Learn Reason backwards and forwards. Then move to the next step.

N.Y.S.O.M. · Dec 27, 2009

theres always ( which is my personal favorite) is an MPC series and turntables MPC 1000 or 2500 2000xl (if u can find one) keep Reason that can be ur sound module

Ozmosis · Dec 27, 2009

Get you a keyboard midi controller since you already have reason. Make about 20 - 30 completed beats, and that should give you a good idea of what you need or want. You might come to the conclusion reason is all you need.

afriquedeluxe · Dec 27, 2009

Ozmosis said:
Get you a keyboard midi controller since you already have reason. Make about 20 - 30 completed beats, and that should give you a good idea of what you need or want. You might come to the conclusion reason is all you need.

id cosign that. start off small, and build it up progressively. ive seen a couple of dudes buy a lot of gear in one go, only to wana sell it shortly after, when the interest is gone.

2GooD Productions · Dec 27, 2009

Reason is my number one tool of choice. Dont underestimate reason.
And like already stated, dont go rushing out to buy a lot of expensive hardware for you to find that the novelty of making music isnt for you.
With just reason and a midi keyboard with a half decent audio card and you could go a long way.

Id recommened an audiophile 192, high bitrate, but needs a decent spec CPU(quad core if possible) to run at those bitrates. It can run happily at lower bitrates till you get the chance to upgrade cpu/motherboard.
But thats all you need to get started.
Reason, midi keyboard, soundcard.
And spend a long time learning reason, it took me years to figure most of it out. And theres still things I dont know how to use on it. Some of the patches are better than others, but even with just the stock sounds you can make some decent stuff. Id also recommend investing in some decent drum sounds, some of the stock drums arent too great.

Zero.set · Dec 28, 2009

I have just a regular Macbook, it's a year or so old. Think I need to upgrade it (or the soundcard)? I've made a few beats with Reason on here before--just manually (click and drag), not with a midi controller--and it seemed to work fine. Obviously at some point I will want to upgrade, but starting out, does anybody think I need to upgrade my Macbook situation?

Ozmosis · Dec 28, 2009

Zero.set said:
I have just a regular Macbook, it's a year or so old. Think I need to upgrade it (or the soundcard)? I've made a few beats with Reason on here before--just manually (click and drag), not with a midi controller--and it seemed to work fine. Obviously at some point I will want to upgrade, but starting out, does anybody think I need to upgrade my Macbook situation?

Whats the specs? As long as its fast enough for reason and you have enough hard drive space for your .wav files you should be ok.

Shonsteez · Dec 28, 2009

I have a MacBook that I copped about 2 yrs ago and it still kicks ass man so I think your good.
I dont even have that crazy of specs, the only thing I amped up when I had apple make it was the RAM so I have 2gigs instead of 1. The RAM will help you a lot if you only have 1gig still so Id highly recommend copping that if you want a little more performance. You could cop a stick from MacMall and do it yourself, its really not that difficult. The only things that Reason gets a little hungry on are modules like the Malstrom or the new Thor synth.....so if you got a shit load of those running at the same time you might run into CPU problems rather then memory problems but theres ways to get around that and it should be pretty rare for that sorta thing to still effect your general workflow.

As far as the soundcard/interface - your gonna need to buy that no matter what IMO along with a pair of decent nearfield monitors if your really interested in making music on your computer.

Either way you go - its gonna be an investment, ie. software/hardware. - so just be prepared to shell out some dough regardless.

daproduct · Dec 28, 2009

yeah the fact that you got a macbook, means that for a fact YOU HAVE FIREWIRE. something such as m-audios firewire solo is a good start, giving you SPDIF in/out, headphone out, a mic input(w/ phantom power), 2in/2out 1/4" plugs, and a high gain input for guitar/bass. pretty solid starting point if you ask me.
and like many said, reason is such a great tool for getting your ideas down fast. i might recommend gettin a few drum libraries so that you've got that covered.
and also another pre-stated thing, a MIDI controller is a MUST! a 49 key like that axiom you started previously would be perfect. although i might recommend the e-mu xboard 61 for the sake of keybed quality (depends on if those 8 dinky pads are worth the axiom to you).

now with all that said, one last thing to have in mind.. REFILLS! i'll put things simple,
the best orchestral refill by far would have to be the miroslav philharmonik set by sonic reality (retails 149, but the internet is a good source of other ways of obtaining, e.g. rapidshare links *hint hint*)
also i might recommend the jungle warfare series, for d&b.
synth refills worth your while: VIRAL OUTBREAK, VIROLOGY, DEEP FLIGHT, and ANALOG NIGHT = cream of the crop synth sounds. i'll put my balls behind that claim.
now now, ive dropped some names, so may the force be with you, padawan.

thedreampolice · Dec 28, 2009

"yeah the fact that you got a macbook, means that for a fact YOU HAVE FIREWIRE"

Not all macbooks have firewire actually. Better check, but actually Reason works great with the built in audio on macs. Hook up your headphones and make some tracks. When you get better and have made some music then you should think about spending more money.

Zero.set · Dec 28, 2009

Alright... think I got it. I'll probably just stick with my Macbook, Reason 4, and that Axiom 49 or E-Mu controller and roll with that for awhile. I can spend money where I need to, but I'll wait until it's more necessary.

I really appreciate all this help and insight, I'll be coming back to this board once in awhile, I got it bookmarked.

daproduct · Dec 28, 2009

yeah like he said, theres no problem with the internal soundcard, but trying to use the line in will result in noticable noise from the headphone jack...
just a quick pointer in the case that you plan on doing any sampling from external audio sources!

Zero.set · Dec 28, 2009

Alright, got it. That would be something like that M-Audio Firewire Solo you mentioned? I may look into something like that for recording at some point, but probably not yet.

Formant024 · Dec 28, 2009

get some nice active nearfields with s/p dif

and you're set

might try apogee duet aswell btw

daproduct · Dec 28, 2009

yeah the firewire solo would be my ideal entry point audio interface(sells between $100-200), but by all means given that your on a mac, and if you could get the dough put together (bout $500), the apogee duet is absolutely beautiful for the clarity and head room it provides

dirtEjerz · Aug 1, 2010

Zero.set said:
I'll just be straight to the point. I'm serious about at least starting out producing. I have Reason 4 on my Mac that I've messed around with a bit. I need hardware. What should I get? Midi controller (keys or pads)? CD turntable? I'm not sure I'm ready to go crate digging for records yet and go that route, but I do have a healthy collection of CDs that I'd have fun sampling if I could. Basically I just need a solid starting point. I want to CREATE my beats, not just throw samples together and press play. I'm gonna say I have roughly a $500 budget here, give or take depending. Advice?

I'd really appreciate any insight.

you can create SOMETHING, without sampling vinyl, but it wont be hip hop, thats for sure young blood

Relic · Aug 2, 2010

Whatever , you can compose and it be hiphop..

The beat makes it hiphop.

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